Moira Dela Torre, who also was on the judges’ panel, defended Leann saying that her own original songs when she was younger used to sound the same until they were rearranged in the studio. This prompted Regine and fellow judge Vice Ganda to tell Moira that the issue was not about genre but about how the contestant sounded.

Leann was still able to get a yes from the four judges after the gruelling audition and the young hopeful left with Moira telling her, “There are going to be people who appreciate you and may mga tao na hindi, but whatever sound you decide to go for, make sure na ito yung magpapakita kung sino si Leann.”

We’re happy to see this kind of discourse on Idol Philippines! Did you agree with Ms. Regine’s point?